Little-known car brand to launch ultra-affordable EV to rival Tesla Model Y – boasting rapid charging and 600-mile range
A LITTLE-known car brand is coming to the UK in early 2025 – with an affordable EV that might cause Tesla a headache or two.
Chinese manufacturer Nio is set to bring its EV brand Onvo to Europe next year, with the stylish L60 coupe-SUV to be the first to hit showrooms.
Nio, who started selling EVs in Europe in 2021, has yet to make its way to the UK.
Currently, the brand releases cars under three different marques: Nio, Onvo and Firefly, with the budget-friendly Firefly hatchback to be unveiled later this week and will initially be launched in China before it comes to Europe.
However, as reported by Automotive News Europe, Nio’s product planning boss Eric Yu explained that the UK will be the first to get Onvo’s vehicles.
This is because the UK doesn’t put import tariffs on Chinese-built EVs, unlike the EU – which currently has a 31% import tariff, up from 10% in 2023.
Nio recently passed on the chance to take over Audi’s EV factory in Belgium, and unlike many of its rivals will not be looking to open a factory in Europe.
In recent times, the likes of BYD, Chery, Mini, Polestar and Volvo have begun preparations to move production of some EVs from China to Europe to get around the pricey tariffs.
Automotive News Europe reports that Onvo will export 30,000 units per month to Europe, with everything expected to kick off in March 2025.
The value-focused L60 model could take the country by storm, with an eye-catching price that could undercut Tesla’s hugely popular Model Y.
The L60 focuses on interior space, with Nio claiming the L60’s short overhangs maximise space in the cabin and “with ingenious storage design, every occupant can bring along their own luggage”.
It’s also significantly more powerful than the £46,990-rated Model Y, with a 900V electrical architecture – capable of ultra-rapid charging.
Customers can choose between three different BYD-made battery packs offering 344, 454 or 620 miles of range.
The L60 is also more efficient than the Model Y, with a consumption rating of 5.1mpkWh – according to Nio themselves.
It’s also reportedly the most aerodynamically efficient SUV on the market.
This comes as another Chinese EV maker, Xiaomi – also known for its range of electronic gadgets, including smartphones – has built the world’s fastest four-door car.
The up-and-coming car brand’s SU7 Ultra prototype recently recorded a super lap around the infamous Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit located in Nurburg, Germany, and beat a previous time set by Porsche in the process.
Elsewhere, it has been revealed that Honda and Nissan are exploring the possibility of joining forces after years of competing in the industry.
The amalgamation of the famous Japanese car makers would create a new “automatic powerhouse”.
If the plans were successful, the super-company could sell more than seven million vehicles a year.
The strategic partnership has specifically set out plans for EVs.
First reported by Nikkei, a Japanese business newspaper, neither company has officially confirmed or denied the talks.